Shame

Word "shame" with other words inside the word including; "escape", "bully", "downcast", "insult", "boast", "attack", "gloat".

Shame – everyone experiences this emotion at some point or another. And I’ve got to tell you, it is not an emotion I would describe as pleasant. I would say it’s quite opposite to being pleasant if I’m being totally honest here. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value or that we should try … Read more

Self- Soothing Kit

Imagine you’ve had a tough day at school or work. What do you imagine yourself doing once you get home? Your answer probably depends on how intense your emotions are at that time. All emotions have an associated urge with it. When our emotions are at a distressing level, we can begin to lose sight … Read more

DBT: Wise Mind

Balanced stones with the sun setting in the background

I absolutely love DBT’s emphasis on balance.  We need balance in nearly everything we do. Balance improves our conversations, when we alternate between listening and talking.  Balance allows us to walk, dance, and play our favorite sports, and balance helps us make effective decisions about our finances, relationships, and leisure time.  Finding balance in any … Read more

What to expect when you sign up for EMDR

EMDR is an incredible form of psychotherapy used to treat trauma. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and it was created by Francine Shapiro in 1987. It’s important to know that when the therapy was discovered, it was through rapid eye movements. It was later discovered that eye movements were one of may … Read more

What is EMDR?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a trauma therapy and it’s so cool. In this article, I’m going to explain to you more about what EMDR is and what it can be used to treat, so you can decide if this is a good therapy for you! EMDR is an evidence-based practice proven … Read more

Pride and Shame

Two people holding a rainbow sign that reads "GET USED TO IT"

Shirtless men held hands and openly kissed as they march New York streets on June 28th, 1970.  The first pride parade, organized by a bisexual woman named Brenda Howard, vibrated with both celebration and protest.  Exactly one year after the historic Stonewall Riots, the marchers sought to use slogans such as “Gay is Okay” and … Read more

The Stomach: Our Second Brain

You know that sinking feeling you get when something goes wrong? Or how your stomach tightens when you’re feeling angry? What about when you get butterflies in your stomach when you’re thinking about someone you love or something you’re nervous about? Turns out, there’s growing research to show that the gut and the brain are … Read more

How to Support a Loved One with an Eating Disorder

For those supporting a loved one with an eating disorder, the road to recovery can be stressful, frightening, and at times, uncertain. Recovering from an eating disorder is no small task, and those that do have incredible strength. No matter how strong a person may be, we all need support, love, encouragement, and connection from … Read more

Better Manage Disordered Eating and Self-Destructive Urges 

In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I thought it would be appropriate to introduce a helpful skill that directly relates to managing disordered behaviors as well as urges! The skill is called The CARESS Model and Lisa Ferentz, LCSW-C, developed it. This skill is a 3 step process that increases our self-awareness, self-compassion, … Read more

Benefits of Online DBT

Girl sitting in her bed on laptop

Have you ever called to cancel an appt or delayed even scheduling because your schedule is just too hectic at times?  Or have you ever felt that you don’t have enough time in the day to take care of yourself because you are an incredible caregiver to so many others?  Wouldn’t it be nice to … Read more